Im going to unbrand a Nokia N97 so I can flash the latest firmware and get rid of all the "crap" installed by my providor but Im wondering, when I do this, is the phone unlocked as well so it can accept any SIM card? If not, (I imagine this question is asked billions of times) is there any way to do it thru a software (eg. free) method?

Ditto re the above reply - de-branding it will NOT unlock it. If you are in the UK, you can contact your operator for an unlock code for a fee, usually around 20gbp, but you can of course search Google ( or your preferred search engine ! ) for a free unlock code.

Operator provided unlock codes are specific to the phone IMEI number, so will only work with your phone. IMHO, this is safest method.

Once unlocked, then de-brand to get the latest FW update. There is post on this forum somewhere which provides all the N97 Product Codes. As you will be aware, de-branding the phone voids any warranty.

Unbranding a Nokia N97 won't unlock it from network restriction. You have to unlock it separately. The best way to unlock a mobile is to unlock using unlock code. You can get the unlock code from te network provider itself. In any case if you didn't get the unlock code from your network provider, you can get the unlock code from any other reliable third party service. For example, You can get the unlock code from www.Classicunlocking.com at affordable cost. all the best mate.